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A Matter Of Continuity : ‘The Avengers’

I think Marvel Studios “The Avengers” is – so far – the best superhero film ever made. It takes itself seriously enough that it doesn’t come off as silly, yet remembers that this stuff is based on comic books, which were originally geared toward children (though in places like Japan – and to an extent in Europe – anime and comics have been geared toward all ages for a long while now).

But no film is perfect. I happened to be watching it again – for the fifth or sixth time – when I noticed a small continuity error that I hadn’t prior. I should define what an continuity error is. It’s an inconsistency from one scene to the next that tends to be due to someone missing a particular detail. Sometimes it can literally drag you out of a film, though oftentimes they don’t even register till you see the film again, as was the case with me.

Notice the guy circled in red.

This screenshot is from early in the film, when Captain America and Bruce Banner are first landing on the S.H.I.E.L.D Helicarrier. The person circled is busy marshaling (I have no idea what they’re called. It differs based upon which source you happen to read) which is to help guide aircraft once they’re on the runway.

People that do this are important because they help get planes where they should be. Without them, a pilot could potentially misunderstand where they should be, causing problems for other planes.

Now look at the man carefully. He’s standing to the right of the airship, and he’s not under it – which would make no sense, since the pilot(s) of the craft wouldn’t be able to see him but also because you can see his shadow further right, which wouldn’t be the case if he were being overshadowed by the airplane. Here’s a arial shot that follows the scene above in the film. The marshall should be in the area of the bullseye. Not only can’t you see the marshall, but you can’t see anyone in range of the craft. At all. As far as continuity errors go, it’s a small one and while it doesn’t stop one from enjoying the movie, it is interesting.